A total solar eclipse will take place on Aug. 21, the first time North American viewers will witness the phenomenon since February 26, 1979. While the U.S. has observed several solar eclipses during the past few decades, a total solar eclipse - when the moon fully conceals the sun except for its corona - is a rare occurrence.

An interactive map of the astronomical event's path can be seen here, and an estimated 1.85 to 7.4 million people are expected to travel to various states to watch it next month.

Other things to do while you're in town: The National World War I Museum and Memorial covers 32,000-square-feet and includes a glass bridge built over a field of 9,000 red poppies, with each one representing 1,000 soldier deaths.